Brazilian governor apologies after joking about deadly methanol poisoning crisis | Brazil
The absolute governor of São Paulo, Tarcísio de Freitas, was forced to apologize after responding to a fatal crisis in joking methanol saying that he would only start to worry when the smugglers begin to make false Coca-Cola.
Freitas, a close ally of former far -right president Jair Bolsonaro, made this comment during a press conference on his response to the contamination scandal by alcohol centered on his condition and who left at least three dead. Among the victims is a 30 -year -old mother who died after drinking a cocktail of vodka and fruit juice during a party.
The Brazilian Minister of Health, Alexandre Padilha, doctor, urged citizens to avoid white spirits such as vodka and gin until the authorities discover the origin of contaminated drinks. “We are not talking about an essential product in people’s lives,” said Padilha last week.
But Monday, Freitas seemed to take the situation lightly by describing the concerns of manufacturers of spirits such as Jack Daniel’s and Johnnie Walker concerning illegal counterfeit. of their products. “”[Alcohol] This is not my cup of tea, “said the presidential candidate.
“The day they start to simulate Coca-Cola, I will worry. It is as well that they are not there yet,” added Freitas with an awkward smile.
The remark has become viral and sparked a torrent of criticism, many comparing it to the insensitive and incompetent response from Bolsonaro to COVID, who killed more than 700,000 Brazilians.
“So? I’m sorry. What do you want me to do?” Bolsonaro asked a journalist in April 2020, asked about the rapid increase in the number of deaths. A year later, after more than 260,000 dead, Bolsonaro asked citizens to stop “whining”.
Freitas – who hopes to inherit the Bolsonaro political movement after the recent conviction of his mentor to 27 years in prison for fomented a military coup – expressed his regrets for his words on Tuesday.
He admitted to “joke” to relax the atmosphere, but said that his words had been “really misinterpreted”.
“I ask forgiveness from families who suffer after losing dear beings [and] Business owners from which companies suffer, “said Freitas, many of whom expect to challenge outgoing left, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, for the presidency in the elections of next year.
